DEREEL GETS CONNECTED TO THE MOBILE PHONE NETWORK

Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard joined members of the Dereel community today to celebrate the activation of a new Telstra mobile base station in the area.

“I have long been concerned about poor mobile coverage in this region, particularly in many of our small towns and areas of high bushfire risk,” Mr Howard said.

“The Andrews Labor Government co-invested with Telstra on a successful joint bid to the Commonwealth Government’s Mobile Blackspot Programme that has resulted in the construction of the new mobile phone tower at Dereel.

“Now that this service has been activated, residents in Dereel and the surrounding area now have access to Telstra’s 3G and 4GX mobile coverage.

“This will come as a welcome relief for the Dereel community who will soon see improved mobile coverage where it was previously poor.”

Last month the Andrews Government announced that it is partnering with Optus as part of a $16 million co-investment to build 25 new mobile towers throughout regional Victoria, including new towers at Haddon North and Cape Clear.

“Telecommunications infrastructure is crucial for the growth, liveability and safety of regional households and businesses.” Mr Howard concluded.